Effective Employee Screening
In today’s competitive job market, employers, HR professionals, and fleet managers face the critical task of ensuring that their employees meet rigorous standards. This not only ensures a safer workplace but also improves productivity and reduces liability. Effective employee screening is the foundation of a strong workforce and involves various components such as background checks, drug tests, and physicals.
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John L gave us a 5 star google rating and said, From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspects of the DOT random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.
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Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Employment Drug Screening
Drug screening is a pivotal part of the employee screening process. It helps employers maintain a drug-free workplace, which is essential for employee safety and productivity. The types of drug tests can vary based on the employer’s needs and regulations.
Regulated Drug Test vs. Non Regulated Drug Test
Regulated Drug Test
A regulated drug test follows strict guidelines set by federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT). Regulated Drug tests are mandatory for employees in safety-sensitive positions, including truck drivers, pilots, and railway workers. DOT drug tests ensure that employees in these critical roles are not under the influence of substances that could impair their performance and endanger lives. It is important for you to make sure that Regulated Drug Test are done on a regulated drug test form or it won’t count towards your compliance.
Non Regulated Drug Test
A non regulated drug test, on the other hand, is not bound by federal guidelines and can be customized to the employer’s requirements. Non Regulated Drug tests are typically used by private companies to ensure a drug-free workplace. Non-DOT drug tests can include various panels, such as the 5-panel or 10-panel drug test, depending on the substances the employer wants to screen for.
DOT Drug Test
A DOT drug test is a standardized test required for employees in safety-sensitive positions, such as commercial drivers. The DOT Drug Test has specific protocols and procedures that must be followed to ensure the validity and reliability of the test. The test screens for five primary substances:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
The DOT drug test process involves specimen collection, laboratory analysis, and review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).
What is a Non DOT Drug Test?
Non DOT drug tests are used by employers who are not required to follow DOT regulations. Non DOT Drug tests offer more flexibility in terms of the substances tested and the testing methods used. Non-DOT drug tests can include additional panels such as the 5-panel or 10-panel drug test and can be conducted using various specimen types, including urine, hair, and oral fluid.
5-Panel Drug Test
A 5-panel drug test screens for the following substances:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
This test is commonly used by employers to ensure a drug-free workplace.
10-Panel Drug Test
A 10-panel drug test includes the substances screened in a 5-panel test, along with additional drugs:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Quaaludes (Methaqualone)
The 10-panel test provides a more comprehensive screening for a wider range of substances.
Other Drug Panels
Although 90% of drug testing is done with a 5 panel drug test or a 10 panel drug test, you can customize a panel to meet your needs. Examples below:
Some customers will remove THC from their panel. Not recommended for safety sensitive positions.
Other employers in areas where Fentanyl is an issue will add Fentanyl Drug Testing to their panel.
Healthcare employers may add Tramadol Drug Test, Meperidine Drug test, Fentanyl drug test and more to their panels.
First responders may add Steroid Testing or Ketamine Drug Test to their panels.
Drug Screening Near Me
If you are looking for a drug screening near me or a DOT Drug Test Near Me, you have come to the right place. We have over 20,000 plus electronically enabled collections sites near your workplace or home. That means you can order a drug screen today, complete it today or by your deadline.
Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Medical Review Officer
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) plays a critical role in the drug screening process. The Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting positive drug test results. The Medical Review Officer ensure that the results are accurate and legally defensible. The Medical Review Officer contacts the employee to discuss any positive results and determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation. The Medical Review Officer also manages the Non-Contact Positive and Safety Sensitive Letter Process.
Simplifying FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance with CTPA Services
The FMCSA Clearinghouse, an online database established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), monitors drug and alcohol violations by commercial drivers to ensure safety within the transportation industry. Employers must report any violations, including failed tests, to this system to prevent drivers who violate regulations from occupying safety-sensitive roles until they complete a return-to-duty process.
Steps to Comply with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Mandate
- Register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Update your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy with an FMCSA Clearinghouse addendum.
- Educate supervisors and employees about their rights and responsibilities under the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Conduct pre-employment queries for each new hire in the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Perform annual queries on all drivers in the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Report all positive alcohol tests to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Document and report refusals at collection sites in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Document and report known drug and alcohol use in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report return-to-duty tests in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Report completion of follow-up testing programs in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Medical Review Officers (MROs) must report all positive drug screens in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Why Use a CTPA?
Compliance can be complex and time-consuming. Employers can appoint a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (CTPA), like Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI), to handle some or all of these duties. WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program simplifies the compliance process, ensuring that all requirements are met efficiently.
Contact Us
For more information about WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program, contact our support staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]. You can also learn more by visiting our website: https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/
Simplify your compliance process with expert help from Workplace Screening Intelligence!
Physicals
Physical examinations are an essential component of the employee screening process. They assess an individual’s overall health and fitness for a specific job role. There are two main types of physicals:
DOT Physicals
A DOT physical is required for commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive positions regulated by the DOT. The DOT Physical exam includes a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s medical history, vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical health. A DOT physical ensures that the employee is fit to perform their duties safely. DOT Physical must be repeated every two years. For those with untreated health conditions, they will need to repeat their DOT physical every 90-365 days.
Need to order a DOT Physical or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
NON DOT Physicals
Non DOT physicals are used by employers who are not required to follow DOT regulations. These physicals can be customized to the employer’s specific requirements and may include assessments of general health, fitness levels, and job-specific physical demands.
Need to order a NON DOT Physical or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Not So Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quaaludes?
Quaaludes, or Methaqualone, were once prescribed as a sedative and hypnotic medication. However, due to their high potential for abuse and addiction, they were banned in the United States in the 1980s. Quaaludes are now illegal, but they may still appear in comprehensive drug screenings like the 10-panel test.
What happens if an employee fails a DOT drug test?
If an employee fails a DOT drug test, they are immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties. They must undergo a Return to Duty Test and follow-up drug tests as part of the DOT’s Return to Duty process. The employee must also complete a substance abuse program before resuming their duties.
What is a consortium?
A consortium is a group of employers or multiple divisions of an organization who join together to manage their drug and alcohol testing programs. This allows smaller companies or companies with multiple divisions to pool their resources and comply with federal or other regulations. Examples include the FAA Random Testing Consortium, FMCSA Random Testing Consortium, FRA Random Testing Consortium, FTA Random Testing Consortium, PHMSA Random Testing Consortium, US Coast Guard Random Testing Consortium, NON DOT Random Testing Consortium, BWC Ohio 5%, Ohio BWC 15% and CA PUC.
How does electronic ordering and tracking improve employee screening?
Electronic ordering and tracking systems provide real-time updates on the status of the screening process. Employers can track when the employee shows up at the screening site, when the specimen reaches the lab, and when it is in the MRO process. This transparency ensures that employers know if the employee can be hired in time and helps remove any doubt about the screening process.
Conclusion
Employee screening is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe, productive, and compliant workplace. By utilizing various screening methods such as drug tests, physicals, and background checks, employers can ensure that their workforce meets the necessary standards.
Compliance with federal and state regulations can be challenging, but Workplace Screening Intelligence can help employers focus on their business while ensuring compliance. With over 30 years of experience and advanced technology, Workplace Screening Intelligence provides peace of mind to employers by managing the complexities of employee screening.
Ready to streamline your employee screening process? Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence today and experience the benefits of a comprehensive and effective screening program. So, always make sure to conduct proper employee screening and stay compliant with all regulations. Your workforce is your greatest asset – protect it with the right tools and processes. So don’t wait any longer, contact Workplace Screening Intelligence today for a personalized solution that meets your company’s needs. Together, we can create a safer and more productive workplace for everyone. Let’s work towards a healthier future, one screening at a time!
Thank you for reading our guide on employee screening and its importance in the workplace. We hope this information has been helpful and informative for you. Stay safe, healthy, and compliant! Continued education and awareness about employee screening is crucial to maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
What Our Customers say about Us
Carlie M. gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, “Brenda is amazing! Always so helpful and knowledgeable. Switching from our old provider to WSI has made my job SO much easier”!!
Need to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/